EIC Accelerator: €411 M for 68 prize-winners in 2024 in 17 countries

68 companies have been selected to receive funding totalling €411 M from the European Innovation Council as part of the first selection of the EIC 2024 accelerator, which closed in March, the EIC announced on 15/07/2024.

Of the 17 countries from which the winners originate, France and Germany have the most start-ups selected (both 13), representing a percentage of 19% of winners each. Nine winning companies are Israeli. The Netherlands and Spain followed with six winners each.

Five proposals from so-called "widening" countries (EU enlargement countries that participate too little in the R&I Framework Programme) also received EIC funding. 21% of the companies selected are headed by women, adds the EIC.

This selection, which was made after studying 969 complete proposals submitted and interviewing 347 companies, was made "as part of a highly competitive process".

Almost all the winning companies, 96%, will benefit from mixed funding, i.e. a combination of grants and equity investment through the EIC fund. Of the €411 M in funding, €165 M will be in the form of grants and around €245 M…